'I'd just like a nice swimming costume with a hefty, very hefty, in-built bra' - Miranda Hart asks Instagram for help, and thousands respond with recommendations

The comedian is on the hunt for flattering, supportive swimwear - and these brands came highly recommended

Miranda Hart
(Image credit: Getty Images / Comic Relief)

Comedian and actress Miranda Hart took to Instagram earlier today to ask the community for help on her quest to find a flattering swimsuit that provides sufficient support for her large bust. And her followers didn't disappoint, with hundreds of women commenting with words of support and tested brands she should try. 

"Hello, right, content warning, this is going to include information about my bosoms," Hart said. "Because I need help. Sounds wrong already. No, it's alright. It's just that I've put on a lot of weight, and my bosoms and now the size is too much. The size of space hoppers - I feel like I'm carrying around space hoppers filled with gravel, and its very uncomfortable. Anyway, that aside, what do I do about the swimming costume issue, where do I get a swimming costume that has a good enough in-built bra?"

The retailer recommendations came in thick and fast, many of which feature in our pick of the best swimwear for women over 50. But based on what thousands of women are saying, there's clearly a few we need to add. To save you scrolling through thousands of comments, here are the brands women with large busts recommend Miranda tries for swimwear:

  • Bravissimo - supportive bra-sized swimwear in a D-L cup
  • Cupshe - DD-plus bikinis & swimwear for big busts
  • Elomi - bra-sized swimwear for curvy women
  • M&S - figure flattering swimwear for big boobs
  • Land's End - swimwear specially tailored to support large busts
  • Snag Tights - swimwear pieces designed specifically for big busts
  • Deakin & Blue  - tailored to fit women who have large cup sizes

Swimwear brand recommendations


Hart went on to explain the swimsuit types she already owns, but how she has yet to find a 'nice' swimsuit that not only fits but leaves her feeling properly supported. "Serious suggestions please of where I can get a nice swimming costume - I just like a black swimming costume with a hefty, very hefty in-built bra."

"I was buying tops forgetting about the space hoppers - just tried them on and the space hoppers were literally by the waist," Miranda shared, before going on to explain how she had considered wearing a bra underneath to ensure the support she wanted. 

Women were quick to help, the post now receiving over 1,100 comments - and reading them, it's clear Miranda isn't the only woman finding the quest for a flattering, supportive swimsuit a real issue. 

"Well I just needed this for myself so thank you very much to this comment section," said one of the comments. "Let me know when you find out because it's a constant source of misery," wrote another. 

Others shared the brands they have tried and tested, but two in particular stood out among the recommendations –Bravissimo and Snag Tights. Others mentioned repeatedly were Deakin & Blue and Elomi, Lands End and M&S. 

"Bravissimo! The best place ever for big girlfriends", said one lady. "From one big bosomed midwife to another, get a Snag cozzie!! They are THE BEST." said another.

"I GOT you Miranda. There's a simply great British company called Deakin & Blue who do swimsuits specifically by varying sizes of 'space hoppers'. They are pricey but SO FLIPPIN WORTH IT! I can actually do laps and feel supported!" said a third. 

Another brand that people might not think of – Amazon swimsuits. The online retail giant has a wide selection of brands that cater specifically for women with large busts - many of which we often see in the Amazon sale. There's also a brilliant selection of brands in our best bras for large busts, many of which have swimwear options too. 

Kerrie Hughes
Editor

Kerrie is the editor of woman&home (digital). For seven years previously she was editor of Future’s world-leading design title Creative Bloq, and has written for titles including T3, Coach and Fit&Well on a wide range of lifestyle topics.

 

After a decade of working in retail, Kerrie went back to education at the ripe old age of 27, graduating with a first-class honours degree in creative writing three years later. Her career in journalism began soon after, when she secured a job as a staff writer at Future Plc. In the 14 years since, she has worked her way up to editor level, gaining a wealth of digital experience along the way.

As a woman&home reader and a senior digital editor, Kerrie’s main purpose is to ensure the brand delivers high-quality, relevant content to help enrich and improve women’s lives – a responsibility she feels hugely passionate about.  

Outside of work, if she manages to find a spare minute around her three young children, geriatric dog and activity-obsessed fiance, you’ll find her either throwing a barbell about at Crossfit, with her head in a good thriller novel or building one of the latest Lego ideas sets.